Getting You The Compensation You Deserve

Workers Comp Claims Process

Macon Workers' Compensation Lawyers On Filing For Benefits

According to Georgia laws, all businesses that employ three or more people must have workers' compensation insurance. If you are hurt on the job, that workers' compensation policy should cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. However, the process of filing for benefits after a work injury can be complex. This is especially true if your initial claim is denied.

If you need benefits after a workplace accident, our Georgia workers' compensation lawyers can help. Even if you are confident that you will get approval for your claim, our attorneys can answer your questions and explain what you need to do to ensure a successful outcome. We offer free consultations, and will tell you when it is in your best interest to file on your own. If your employer denies your workers' compensation claim, we can help you prepare for your appeal, and will fight for your right to benefits.

What is the Process of Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits for almost every work injury, regardless of fault. So, even if the workplace accident was partially or entirely your fault, if it was the result of your employment, in most situations you can still receive benefits. Your employer should handle most of the paperwork associated with your claim. However, with every work related injury you should be sure to do the following:

Inform your employer. In Georgia, you have 30 days after you sustain an injury to report it. However, if you wait, the insurance company may deny your claim. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to prove that your injury actually occurred at work.

Seek medical care. Georgia workers' compensation laws allow your employer to specify which medical providers you may see for treatment. Generally, you can choose from a list of six or more eligible providers. If you seek treatment from your own physician, your employer may not pay the bill.

As soon as you inform your employer of your work injury, he or she will provide you with paperwork for your workers' compensation claim. It is up to your employer to contact their insurance company who will inform the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. It is a good idea to check with your supervisor or boss to be sure that they processed all paperwork. If for any reason your employer delays or refuses to file a workers' compensation claim on your behalf, then contact a work injury lawyer immediately.

My Workers' Comp Claim Was Denied. What Can I Do?

Even if you have a legitimate work injury, it is possible for your employer or your employer's insurance company to deny your claim. However, you can challenge a workers' compensation denial before the State Board of Workers' Compensation. The process is more complex than filing your initial claim, and often involves a hearing. Most injured workers feel more comfortable with an attorney handling any cases after an initial claim denial.

If your employer or the insurance company will not agree to accepting your workers' compensation claim, you may choose to attend a hearing. This is usually within eight months of filing your request for a hearing. During this hearing, you may present evidence, call witnesses and testify before a judge. A workers' compensation lawyer can help you through this process. In the end, the judge will rule on your case, either granting you benefits or denying your claim. If denied, you may appeal to the Appellate Division of the State Board of Workers' Compensation. You can then attend an oral argument before a panel of judges.

Work Injury? Our Georgia Workers' Compensation Lawyers Can Help

If a workplace accident caused your injuries, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and a portion of your expenses. Our qualified workers' compensation lawyer can help you file your claim and fight for your medical treatment and income benefits. We will tell you if you should file by yourself and will offer advice on how to proceed.

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